1. The Four Noble Truths as the Structure of Buddha-Dhamma

The Four Noble Truths provide a consistent organizing structure of the Buddha-Dhamma. Understanding how each teaching fits in with the Four Noble Truths will enable one to see how it fits with other teachings.

Further, the Four Noble Truths provide a simple tool for thinking in Buddhist terms. Anything can be investigated in terms of what? From where? Why? And How?

We will familiarize ourselves with various presentations of the ariyasacca and the meaning of the key terms. We will look into ways of applying it to different aspects and questions of our lives.

The First Discourse of the Buddha by Dr. Rewata Dhamma

A translation of and commentary on the "Turning of the Dhamma Wheel Sutta" in which the Buddha firsts maps out the Middle Way, Noble Eightfold Path, and Four Noble Truths. Ven Rewata Dhamma, a Burmese teacher who lived in England for many years, follows the understanding of the Visuddhimagga and interprets these core teachings in the light of Burmese vipassana meditation. Wisdom Pulications, 1997, p. 128.

The Four Noble Truths by Ven Ajahn Sumedho

This booklet was compiled and edited from talks given by Venerable Ajahn Sumedho on the teaching of the Buddha: that the unhappiness of humanity can be overcome through spiritual means. The teaching is conveyed through the Buddha's Four Noble Truths, first expounded in 528 BC in the Deer Park at Sarnath near Varanasi, India and kept alive in the Buddhist world ever since. Available in PDF from BuddhaNet and from Amaravati (temporarily unavailable).

Extra credit: The Wings of Awakening (Part III, Chapter H on Right View)

7. Tisarana: Refuge in the Buddha, Dhamma, & Sangha

November 26: The Three Refuges

"Magnificent, Master Gotama! Magnificent, Master Gotama! The Dhamma has been made clear in many ways by Master Gotama, as though he were turning upright what had been overthrown, revealing the hidden, showing the way to one who was lost, holding up a lamp in the darkness for those with eyes to see forms. We go to Master Gotama for refuge, and to the Dhamma, and to the Sangha of bhikkhus. From today let Master Gotama accept us as followers who have gone to him for refuge for life."